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South Georgia Heritage Trust – Protecting the past and future of South Georgia. www.sght.org. The SGHT Habitat Restoration Project – PHASES ONE and TWO completed successfully in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
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South Georgia Heritage Trust – Protecting the past and future of South Georgia www.sght.org
The SGHT Habitat Restoration Project – PHASES ONE and TWO completed successfully in 2011 and 2013 respectively Rodents feed on the eggs and chicks of ground nesting birds. As natives they are entirely unprotected against invasive rats. Many of South Georgia’s birds are under threat and their numbers have been devastated by rats. Some birds have all but disappeared from the mainland. Others will follow if rats remain. www.sght.org
The South Georgia Pipit: A bird under threat - This sparrow sized songbird lives only on South Georgia . - It has been exterminated from most of South Georgia by rats and now nests only on offshore islands and along the South Coast. www.sght.org
Phase One: 2011 Cleared rats from Grytviken, King Edward Point and a large area of surrounding land. Reinvasion will be prevented by surrounding glaciers. Grytviken www.sght.org
Phase Two: 2013 Cleared rats from the entire North-West of the island. 70% of the rodent infested areas of South Georgia have now been cleared. Only the South-East coloured areas remain infested.
The Remaining Phases – the challenge To clear the final 300 km² remainder of South Georgia in 2015/2016 will cost at least £2.5 million. The 700 km2 area already cleared is 5 times what has ever been attempted elsewhere in the world After two years of monitoring the Phase 1 area still appears rat free, and birds are returning to nest there www.sght.org
Why the urgency? Glaciers separate specific areas of the island and prevent the spread of rodents to areas where birds can still nest The glaciers are retreating, threatening bird colonies in the remainder of the island. Soon rodents will invade the safe nesting areas www.sght.org
Plan of action 2014 Monitor the success of 2011 and 2013 and raise funds to clear the remainder of South Georgia 2015/16 Clear the remainder of South Georgia and return the island to a pristine, rodent-free wildlife sanctuary. But we need your help! www.sght.org
Will there be a negative impact on other wildlife? The bait will be spread by skilled helicopter pilots Experienced Field Team Vulnerable species will be tagged and monitored Each year we will only bait part of the island, so most non-target wildlife will not be exposed to the bait. www.sght.org
Is this really possible? - YES, our team brings together the most experienced pilots ,eradication experts and individuals with an unparalleled knowledge of South Georgia We will NEVER have the chance to save South Georgia’s birds again www.sght.org
The Cost Phase 1 - £1.6million – RAISED Phase 2 - £3.5 million – RAISED Phase 3 - £2.5 million STILL TO BE FUNDED South Georgia Heritage Trust – Protecting the past and future of South Georgia. www.sght.org www.sght.org
How you can directly provide the birds with safe breeding habitat of millions of seabirds to South Georgia, and restore the island’s native ecology www.sght.org
SPONSOR A HECTARE Become part of the Project: £90 or $145 www.sght.org
Thankyou for your time www.sght.org Enjoy South Georgia! www.sght.org
